World number one Roger Federer has been eliminated from the 2012 US Open after a shock four-set quarter-final defeat to Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych on Wednesday.
The Swiss maestro was beaten 7–6(7–1), 6–4, 3–6, 6–3 in a major surprise following on from his Wimbledon success and return to the top world ranking spot.
“It couldn’t be better. There’s no better moment so far than this one,” Berdych told reporters afterwards.
Meanwhile, Federer was left to lament the defeat, stating: “I really expected myself to play better tonight. Especially at night, I have had such a great record. I felt good. It’s such an amazing summer I had.
“I really thought I was going to come out and play a solid match. I didn’t do that tonight. Obviously there is a bit of a letdown now.”
Berdych will now take on Andy Murray the semifinals after he accounted for 12th seed Marin Cilic 3–6, 7–6(7–4), 6–2, 6–0.
Elsewhere, Juan Martin del Porto booked his quarterfinal spot against Novak Djokovic and ended Andy Roddick’s impressive career with a 6–7(1–7), 7–6(7–4), 6–2, 6–4 victory.
In the women’s, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams both progressed into the semifinals with wins over Marion Bartoli and Ana Ivanovic respectively, while French Open finalist Sara Errani got past compatriot Roberta Vinci.